The 76-year-old appeared on Egyptian state television pale and gaunt, in blue pajamas and a striped dressing gown.

“I thank my people who are worried over my health,” he said in a statement lasting almost a minute.

“I am currently following a [medical] treatment. The doctors are excellent and have said they will not carry out surgery until they are sure that the treatment is having results,” he said. “It will take time, but not too much,” he added.

Mubarak also reassured the Egyptian people that despite his hospitalization he was “directing work from here up to a certain point” and the “government is working” even during his absence.

Mubarak was admitted to the private Orthozentrum orthopedic clinic in the Munich suburb of Harlaching on Monday. The clinic is one of the most reputable of its kind in the world, and specializes in all types of diseases affecting the spinal column.

Doctors have delayed an initial decision to operate on Mubarak to try out a new medication.

“We will definitely make a decision in the next few days,” said Michael Meyer, head of the clinic in southern Germany, on Tuesday.

Meyer flew to Egypt last week after Mubarak developed back pain that had made it extremely difficult for him to stand, let alone walk.

A slipped disc can cause sharp pain and result in a stiffening of the back, a tingling sensation, or even paralysis in extreme cases.

Doctors reportedly delayed surgery on complications surrounding a slipped disc, to first try a new treatment that might make it unnecessary.

The operation comes amid a flurry of rumors since last week that the health of the Egyptian head of state has been rapidly deteriorating.

His sudden absence for medical treatment has left the public not only concerned about his welfare but also anxious at the political void left by the lack of a vice-president.

Used to the constant presence of Mubarak, who has been in power for 23 years, many Egyptians cannot imagine their country without him.

“I am obviously worried. No one knows what will happen if the president just dies,” 33-year-old engineer Muhammad Ramy said. “I think about my life, my work, everything could change all of a sudden,” he said.

Up to now, Mubarak has refused to nominate a vice-president, even though the position is laid down in the constitution. Before leaving Cairo, Mubarak delegated his powers to Prime Minister Atef Ebeid, but many Egyptians say this is not comparable to having a vice-president.

“Mubarak should have nominated a vice-president a long time ago,” said 64-year-old Mustafa Said, an accountant.

Labiba Ibrahim, a 61-year-old housewife, was pessimistic about Egypt’s future.

“We are living in a crisis. But I don’t see anyone else who is capable of leading our country well,” she said.

The state media put a more positive spin on things by running prayers and get-well-soon messages for the president.

“The hearts of Egyptians will be with Mubarak,” Saeed Sonbol of the government daily Al Akhbar wrote in an editorial. “Egyptians implore Allah for a successful operation and for Mubarak to come home quickly,” he added.

A “Good Morning, Egypt” television show broadcast reactions from the Egyptian street.

“I love President Mubarak more than anything in the world,” said a passerby in his forties. “Love and respect for the leader extend beyond Egypt’s borders, to the entire Arab world. No, the whole world loves Mubarak.”

Another man, with a traditional Muslim beard, told the program: “We wish him a good recovery and pray to Allah to give him a long life, and that he return safe and sound as soon as possible.”